Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Metal corrosion in cold climate  (CorrCold)

Outline
There has been little concern about the corrosion risk in cold arctic climate. However observations on building and materials stored in Arctic and Antarctic have proved that corrosion takes place at a much lower temperature than expected due to freezing point depression. The depression will vary with the ions in the electrolyte. Particularly chlorides can change the freezing point dramatically. For example sodium chloride can be an electrolyte down to –19.2ºC. Goals of the project 1.To establish whether temperature and relative humidity criteria for the existence of a film of moisture on a metal surface can be established for corrosion to occur in cold climates. 2.To determine the role of salts in the environment in polar climates in influencing corrosivity. 3.To increase understanding of the mechanism of corrosion in polar conditions of the four most important technological metals and alloys: copper, steel, aluminium and zinc. 4.To apply research on cold climate corrosion for the conservation of cultural heritage in polar regions. 5.To raise the profile of cold climate corrosion for the improvement of design and maintenance of infrastructure in polar conditions and thereby reduce impacts on the environment.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The corrosion impact in the arctic area has different aspects. In some areas the risk for environmental disasters linked to corrosion of storage tanks, pipe lines and waste treatment facilities have the highest priority. In other areas the highest concern is the corrosion risk linked to the unique cultural heritage buildings and structures in cold climate.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Discussion for a joint project has been performed between Norwegian Institute for Air research, Institute for Physical Chemistry Russian Acdemy of Science Moscow, National Gallery of Australia Camberra and CITEFA research institute Argentina. Test sites has been offered both in Arctic and Antarctic.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Four to five test location in the Arctic: Two in Russia, one to two sites at Spitzbergen and one on Bear Island. Three to four site in Antarctic. All sites will be linked to other activities in the area.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 36 months            
Antarctic: 36 months            

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Field test racks,measurements of environmental and climatic parameter. One time of wetness device that need power 1-2 Watt.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Consortium
Another national polar operator

The test site will be designed and set up by the consortium and will be maintained by local staff at the locations.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
A co-operation intention document has been signed between the Norwegian and Russian partners. The rest of the partners have expressed interest at a planning meeting but no formal documents have been signed.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
New

Inside corrosion sceience the behavior of materials in cold climate is not well known. With the increased interest for using this part of the world the need for more scientic understanding of the processes is very much needed.

How will the project be organised and managed?
A joint plan for the research will be worked out, while the different countries will be responsible for their own test sites. The evaluation of the test results will be a joint effort lead by the Russian partner.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The use of students as co-workers has been discussed with the Univerity Cources on Spitzbergen.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The measurements needed is standard measurements that do not need sofistic equipment.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The funding will be by national research funds.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Jan Fredrik Henriksen
Norwegian Institute for Air Research
P.O.Box 100
NO-2027 Kjeller
Norway

Tel: +47 63 898162
Mobile: no
Fax: +47 63 898050
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation